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The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has named Michael Zweifel as its 15th head football coach in school history. A native of Whitewater, Wisconsin, Zweifel completed his fourth year as an assistant coach at UW-La Crosse during the 2025 season. He replaces Matt Janus, who was announced as head football coach at Northern Michigan University on January 5.
“My family and I are extremely honored and excited to be the next head coach at UW-La Crosse,” said Zweifel. “To be a part of the proud history and standard of excellence here at UW-La Crosse is a dream come true.”
Zweifel served as UW-La Crosse’s defensive coordinator, special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach in 2025. He has coordinated the Eagles’ defense and special teams to a 36-11 record the last four years as UW-La Crosse won two Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) championships and made four appearances in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Playoffs.
“The mindset and standard of our football program is not to maintain what we’ve accomplished the past few years; I was hired to elevate and take this program to the next step,” added Zweifel. “The expectation is to win championships, and we plan to do that by developing competitive, connected, accountable and resilient young men.
This football team will value competition, being selfless, and seeking out challenges every day. Our staff and I are fully committed to building champions in school, sport and life.”
He has coached 15 All-WIAC selections on defense, including 10 first team choices. UW-La Crosse led the league in passing defense (188.9 yards per game) and punting net yards per game (39.4) in 2025. The Eagles led the WIAC in quarterback sacks (28) and fumble recoveries (9) in 2024 while ranking third in interceptions (13).
“Michael has displayed his football intelligence while leading our defense for the last four years, but he also brings experience as a player and coach on the offensive side of the ball which is unique,” said UW-La Crosse Director of Athletics Kim Blum. “He has made an impression on our players as someone who engages with them and brings a lot of energy, but also as a strong family man who cares about making an impact on young men on and off the field.”
In 2022, UW-La Crosse ranked second in the conference in scoring defense (17.8), sacks (67), interceptions (13), opponents’ third-down conversions (32.2%) and red-zone defense (66.7). The Eagles led the conference in kickoff returns (23.8) while finishing third in punt returns (9.3) and second in punting (35.4).
Zweifel was the wide receivers and quarterbacks coach at the University of Dubuque (Iowa) from 2012-21. A 2011 graduate of Dubuque (Iowa), Zweifel earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science while graduating Summa Cum Laude. He earned his master’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2015. Zweifel owned Building Better Athletes, LLC from 2013-22.
He was named the winner of the 2011 Gagliardi Trophy, awarded annually to the top NCAA Division III football player. Zweifel led the nation in receiving yards (1,915), receiving yards per game (174.1), receptions (140), receptions per game (12.7), and receiving touchdowns (25). He also recorded 29 tackles in 2011 with 2.5 tackles for loss, nine pass breaks-ups, one interception and one fumble recovery.
Zweifel set a NCAA III record with his 140 catches in 2011 and ended his career as the all-time NCAA leader (all divisions) with 463 receptions. He was a three-year team captain at Dubuque (Iowa).
Selected the 2011 Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) Offensive Most Valuable Player, Zweifel was named to six All-America teams. He was an All-IIAC First Team selection in 2009 and 2011, helping lead the Spartans to their first conference championship in 31 years in 2011.
“I appreciate Michael’s commitment to UW-La Crosse and his unique vision for the future of UW-La Crosse football as a contributor to the overall athletic program,” noted Blum. “Michael was able to demonstrate his ability to lead the program by pulling from his experience as a business owner, and he clearly understands the incredible opportunity he has to write the next chapter of the Eagles’ football program.”
Zweifel attended the Green Bay Packers Rookie Minicamp and Fall Camp in 2012. Voted the 2011 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-American® of the Year, he was named a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete finalist.
Zweifel was formally introduced as the Eagles’ head coach at a press conference held in Hetzel Fieldhouse on the UWL campus, scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17. The press conference may be streamed here.
UW-La Crosse has won two (1992, 1995) NCAA Division III Championships and one (1985) National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) title while making 16 appearances in the NCAA Division III Championships, including the last five seasons, and seven trips to the NAIA Playoffs. The Eagles have captured 35 conference championships in school history.
Zweifel lives in Holmen, Wisconsin with his wife, Jennifer, and two daughters, Ainsley and Sienna.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by UW-La Crosse.
Front: Josie Davis (stage manager), Amerra Lin
Middle: Aurora Gerblick, Lia Ramirez, Peyton Comfort, Isabella Cohen, Sophia Noonan, Ian Agen
Back: Esterban Diaz-Gallegos, Kia Peterson, Vivian Harris, Camdyn Avila, Joseph Falcon-Kienbaum, Jesus Ramirez (stage manager), Sam Nickelsburg
The Whitewater High School Players performances of “Radium Girls” open on Feb. 26 at 7 pm in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at WHS. Performances continue on Feb. 27-28 at 7 pm and Mar. 1 at 2 pm.
General admission tickets ($12 for adults, $7 for students) are available beginning one hour before the performances.
Before the performance, Tom Ganser’s photos will be shared of the WHS Players productions of “A Murder is Announced” (2023), “Our Town” (2024), and “The Good Doctor” (2025).
Under the direction of Jim McCulloch, the cast includes Ian Agen, Camdyn Avila, Isabella Cohen, Peyton Comfort, Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, Joseph Falcon-Kienbaum, Aurora Gerblick, Vivian Harris, Ameera Lin, Sam Nickelsburg, Sophia Noonan, Kia Peterson, and Lia Ramirez. Josie Davis and Jesus Ramirez support the production in their important role as stage managers.
Under the guidance of Kat Dunham, the scenery construction and backstage crews include Caitlin Alford, Sidney Block, Georgia Esch, Ace Hudec, Hadley Huebner, Joshua Nygren, and Jesus Ramirez.
In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by a true story, “Radium Girls” traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Her chief adversary is her former employer, Arthur Roeder, an idealistic man who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees. As the case goes on, however, Grace finds herself battling not just with the U.S. Radium Corporation, but with her own family and friends, who fear that her campaign for justice will backfire.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Former Whitewater Unified School District Caroline Pate-Hefty has been placed on administrative leave from her new role as superintendent of the Manheim Township School District [“Manheim”] in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Per lancasteronline.com, the superintendent’s status was announced to district staff in an email on February 18, 2026. No reasons were given for the leave; reportedly her contract prohibits the district from publicly disclosing matters related to Pate-Hefty’s performance or conduct. It was not indicated whether the leave is paid. Pate-Hefty’s annual salary is $227,250.
Pate-Hefty signed a five-year contract in March 2025 and began her employment with the 6000-student Manheim on July 1. She had held the Whitewater position, where there are nearly 2000 students, since 2020.
Since Pate-Hefty’s tenure began in Pennsylvania there have been four resignations from the administrative staff, although one of those individuals has since rescinded their resignation.
Per lancasteronline.com, Manheim has had seven superintendents in the past 14 years.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team has announced its 2026 schedule.
The Warhawks kick off the 2026 campaign at home as Carleton College returns to Perkins Stadium on Saturday, September 5. UW-Whitewater will recognize its senior class prior to kickoff against the Knights. UWW fans will Pack the Perk the next week with UW-Whitewater hosting Saint Xavier (Ill.) on September 12. Both games are slated for a 1 PM kickoff.
Following a bye week, UW-Whitewater will have their first road test of the season against a new opponent. For the first time in program history, the Warhawks will take on Keystone College in Pennsylvania with kickoff scheduled for noon Eastern.
October 3 will be a marquee date on the calendar as the Warhawks host UW-River Falls for Family Fest and Alumni Day. Kickoff for the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener is set for 1 PM in Perkins Stadium.
UWW will head to UW-La Crosse and UW-Stout on October 10 and 17 respectively before returning to The Perk on October 24. UW-Whitewater’s annual Homecoming and Hall of Fame Game will feature the Warhawks taking on UW-Stevens Point at 1 PM.
UW-Oshkosh is next in line for a trip to Perkins on Saturday, October 31. Game time for the Warhawks’ final home contest of the regular season has yet to be announced. UW-Whitewater is also set to host the 2026 WIAC Cross Country Championships on the 31st and the course intersects with roads leading to Perkins Stadium. Kickoff time for the Warhawks and Titans will be announced when it is made official.
UW-Whitewater will wrap up the regular season with a pair of road games including another edition of the George Chryst Memorial Bowl at Platteville on November 7, and finally at UW-Eau Claire on November 14.
Information on parking and tickets for the 2026 Warhawk football season will be announced later this spring.
Editor’s note: This announcement was found on the UW-W Athletics Facebook page.
Editor’s note: The above lists were provided by Whitewater High School.
The UW-Whitewater Warhawk Men’s Basketball team won the 2026 WIAC regular season title outright with a 69–62 victory over UW-River Falls on Saturday, February 21 at Kachel Gymnasium. Players celebrated by raising the trophy and cutting down the nets. The title marks the 16th in program history, the first since 2015 and the first outright since 2012.
(UW-Whitewater photos/Craig Schreiner)
The Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee of the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will hold the second of three Book Club discussions on our spring book selection, An Eye for an I: Growing Up with Blindness, Bigotry, and Family Mental Illness by James Bonilla, on Monday evening, March 9th, 6:15 PM-8:00 PM, at The Whitewater Public Library, 431 W Center St, in Whitewater.
This powerful narrative offers an intersectional analysis of disability, racism, and mental illness, inviting readers to empathize, be inspired, and consider their own potential for social change. Our discussion on March 9th will cover chapters 13-30. SAVE THE DATE – the last discussion will be held on April 13 (Chapters 31-42) at the same time
and location.
ACQUIRE THE BOOK TODAY! A limited supply of books are available at The Book Teller (call 262-269-9109 to hold a copy to purchase) and local libraries. You can also order the book from Amazon.
The LWV Book Club was formed to help our members and friends engage in meaningful discussions of current notable books dealing with public policy issues of interest to the League. You do not need to be a member of the League to participate and refreshments will be served. For questions or further information please contact
Dwight C. Watson, dwight.watsondcw@gmail.com, or Deb Gamble, 23debg@gmail.com
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the League of Women Voters – Whitewater area.
The Robotics Booster Club will be hosting the United Way Bingo night on March 3rd to raise money for Whitewater Unified School District’s seven robotics teams.
Obituaries
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976. Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family. Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more
WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more
Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more
Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side. Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born. Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from … Read more
Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm … Read more
Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married. She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979. Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with … Read more
Carol Ann Seebruch, 88 of Whitewater passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 3, 2026. Carol was born July 12, 1937 in Chicago IL to William and Ann Borovec. She married Marvin Seebruch on June 9, 1984. Carol and Marvin enjoyed traveling the United States making it to 48 of the 50 states. She also enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Ladies. She loved taking pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol is survived by her three children; Bill Anderson of Fort Atkinson, WI, Terri Laban of Whitewater, WI, and Donna (Mike) Jones of Crivitz, WI. She … Read more
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